Abia State Governor Alex Otti presented a N1.016 trillion budget proposal for 2026, which was later signed into law, marking a 13% increase from the previous year.
This budget allocates 80% (N811.8 billion) to capital expenditure and 20% (N204.4 billion) to recurrent spending, with a focus on infrastructure and economic reforms funded partly by internal revenue and loans.
Projected revenues include N83.2 billion from FAAC and N67.1 billion from VAT, leaving a N409 billion deficit.
A standout feature of Abia’s 2026 budget is its 20% allocation to education, equating to N203.2 billion from the total N1.016 trillion.
Governor Otti described education as the “fulcrum” of his administration, maintaining this UNESCO-recommended benchmark (15-20%) since 2023.
This funding supports reforms like free school fees, merit-based teacher recruitment, hostel renovations at Abia State University, and plans for student accommodations and polytechnic upgrades.
In contrast, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma proposed a larger N1.44 trillion budget for 2026, tagged “Budget of Economic Breakthrough,” representing a significant 78% jump from 2025’s N807 billion.
The proposal emphasizes 83.4% capital expenditure for infrastructure, industrialization, job creation, health, power, and public works, with recurrent costs covering the rest.
It aligns with Uzodimma’s 3R mantra (Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Recovery) for economic transformation.[7][8]
Imo’s education allocation in the 2026 budget is markedly lower at N60.62 billion, or just 4.24% of the N1.43 trillion total.
This falls well below UNESCO standards and lags behind leading states like Anambra and Enugu.
Historical trends show inconsistent priority, with 2025 at a low N7.42 billion (about 1%), 2024 at N30 billion, and earlier years varying without sustained growth.
Comparing total budget sizes, Imo’s N1.44 trillion exceeds Abia’s N1.016 trillion by about 42%, providing more absolute fiscal space.
However, Abia’s recurrent-to-capital ratio balances operational needs, while Imo’s heavy capital tilt (83.4%) prioritizes visible projects over social services like education.
Revenue strategies differ: Abia eyes full IGR for recurrent costs, while Imo focuses on growth-stimulating investments.
On education specifically, Abia’s 20% (N203.2 billion) dwarfs Imo’s 4.24% (N60.62 billion) both in percentage and absolute terms—over three times higher despite the smaller overall budget.
Abia’s explicit manifesto-driven investments target access, infrastructure, and innovation (e.g., AI courses), signaling strategic emphasis.
Imo’s low share reflects prioritization of economy and infrastructure, with education not listed among key sectors.
Sectoral breakdowns highlight disparities: Abia’s social services, including education, receive intentional high funding, meeting global benchmarks and restoring sector confidence.
Imo, while boosting overall spending, allocates minimally to education amid critiques from advocacy groups for reassessing priorities.
This pattern mirrors national trends where states like Abia rank high in education commitment, while Imo trails.
Ultimately, Abia State pays far more attention to education in its 2026 budget through superior percentage (20% vs. 4.24%), absolute amount (N203.2bn vs. N60.62bn), and targeted reforms.
Imo’s infrastructure focus, though ambitious, sidelines education, potentially hindering human capital development.
For states like Imo and Abia in Nigeria’s southeast, Abia’s approach better aligns with long-term prosperity via education as an “industry that feeds others.”